Waymo Faces Federal Investigation Over School Bus Violations

UPDATE: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an urgent investigation into Waymo following a series of alarming traffic violations involving its autonomous vehicles around school buses in Austin, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. This probe comes after reports of Waymo’s robotaxis repeatedly failing to comply with critical traffic safety laws.

The investigation was confirmed in a letter sent to Waymo on November 20, 2023, highlighting the company’s troubling record of at least 20 traffic citations for passing stopped school buses in Austin since the school year began. Authorities report that the Austin Independent School District has acknowledged 19 incidents, with some occurring even after Waymo assured the district that software updates were implemented to resolve the issues.

Austin ISD has expressed serious concerns about student safety, stating, “We cannot allow Waymo to continue endangering our students while it attempts to implement a fix.” The school district formally requested that Waymo “immediately cease” operations during school pick-up and drop-off hours until more comprehensive software updates are completed.

NHTSA’s investigation began in October after an incident where one of Waymo’s vehicles “failed to remain stopped” for a school bus in Atlanta. The agency is worried that such unexpected driving behaviors may lead to increased risks of crashes and injuries. In its request for information, NHTSA is demanding detailed reports on Waymo’s safety protocols around school buses and how they may vary by location.

If Waymo does not respond “promptly and fully” to NHTSA’s inquiries, the company could face civil penalties, with fines reaching up to $27,874 per violation per day. Waymo has until January 20, 2024, to comply with these requests, although it can ask for an extension up to five business days before the deadline.

In response to the ongoing scrutiny, Waymo stated that it has “swiftly implemented software updates” to address the school-bus incidents and will continue to monitor and make necessary adjustments. However, the company’s refusal to halt operations during critical school hours remains a point of contention with local authorities.

This situation highlights the pressing challenges faced by autonomous vehicle companies as they navigate complex urban environments while ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, including school children. As investigations unfold, the implications for both Waymo and the broader autonomous vehicle industry could be significant, raising critical questions about the technology’s readiness for widespread deployment.

As Waymo grapples with these serious safety concerns, the company is also reportedly striving to refine its vehicles to mimic human driving behavior more closely. The outcome of this investigation could reshape the future of autonomous transport and its interaction with everyday safety on the roads.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we continue to track the situation closely.